Canton, OH Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Canton Codified Ordinances Section 1311.04(b)
- Applies to
- pre-1978 target housing, child-occupied facilities
- Requirement
- EPA-certified firm, accredited renovator training
- Federal standard incorporated
- 40 CFR 745, Subpart E
- Penalty
- First-degree misdemeanor, Section 1311.99
- Enforcing agency
- Chief Building Official; Canton Construction Board
Summary
In the City of Canton, Ohio, firms renovating pre-1978 target housing or child-occupied facilities must be EPA-certified and use renovators with accredited lead-safe training. Canton Codified Ordinances Section 1311.04(b), added by Ord. 27-2011, folds the federal Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention work practice standards into the City's home improvement contractor licensing chapter, with narrow federal exceptions.
(b) Certification for Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention. Firms conducting renovations in target (pre-1978) housing or child-occupied facilities must be certified and use renovators with accredited training and follow the work practice requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention regulations contained in the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR 745, Subpart E-Residential Property Renovation, unless the renovation qualifies for one of the exceptions identified in Section 745.82(a) or (c) of the Code of Federal Regulations. For purposes of this section, "Firm" means a company, partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship or individual doing business, association or other business entity; a federal, state, tribal or local government agency; or a non-profit organization.
Full Breakdown
Canton writes federal lead-paint renovation duties directly into its home improvement contractor licensing chapter. Under Codified Ordinances Section 1311.04(b), adopted by Ordinance 27-2011 on February 14, 2011, any firm working in target housing built before 1978 or in a child-occupied facility must be a certified renovation firm and must use renovators who completed accredited lead-safe training, following the work practice requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention regulations at 40 CFR 745, Subpart E, unless the job falls under an exception in 40 CFR 745.82(a) or (c).
That duty sits inside the broader Chapter 1311 licensing scheme: any home improvement contractor or salesman doing more than $250 of work must hold a City license, pay a $75 filing fee and a $150 annual license fee ($35 for salesmen), post a $10,000 surety bond, and file workers' compensation proof with the Chief Building Official before a license issues. Licenses expire December 31 each year, with a $75 late fee after that date, and Section 1311.04(i) bars renewal to any contractor delinquent on City income taxes under Sections 182.05 and 182.06.
If a license application is refused, the Chief Building Official must give the applicant written reasons, and the applicant may appeal to the Canton Construction Board established under Chapter 1309. Because the lead-certification duty is embedded in this licensing chapter rather than standing alone, a firm that skips it faces the same enforcement track as any unlicensed home improvement contractor.
Violations & Fines
Operating in violation of Chapter 1311, including the lead-based paint certification duty in Section 1311.04(b), is a misdemeanor of the first degree under Section 1311.99, with each violation treated as a separate offense. The Chief Building Official enforces through the licensing process by refusing, suspending or revoking a home improvement contractor's or salesman's license, and a rejected applicant may appeal to the Canton Construction Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Canton, Ohio require lead-paint certification for renovation firms?
What happens if a contractor skips the lead certification?
Is there a minimum job size before the licensing chapter applies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Canton
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